Page 71 of Last Date

“Nice?” She looked almost offended.

“It was just lunch. We had good conversation, and most importantly, we didn’t argue at all. It was a wonderful change. I felt like a grown-up.”

“Did you kiss?”

“What?” I grimaced. “No. Of course not.”

“Why not?”

I sighed. “Helen, he’s still seeing Peter. I think he just wants to be my friend.”

“You’re about as dense as a Canadian forest, kid.”

“Hey, that’s not nice.”

She blew out an impatient breath. “How long are you going to make that poor man wait for you?”

My face flushed with heat. “He’s not… waiting for me.”

“Well, he won’t wait forever, that’s true.” She hiked her purse higher on her shoulder. “I thought you’d blown it when Peter came along. He’s a catch for sure. Peter checks all the boxes. But the fact that Merrick isstillcircling around you is a really good sign.”

“You make me sound like roadkill.”

She wagged her finger at me. “Don’t make jokes. I’m being serious here.”

I pushed a hand through my hair. “It’s awkward with me and Merrick.”

“It doesn’t have to be. That’s only because you two are in this weird gray area. Once you figure it all out, it’ll be smooth sailing.”

“I don’t know what he wants from me.”

“Everyone else can see what he wants. I’m not sure why you can’t.”

I frowned. “We were enemies for so long.”

“That’s because you were holding a grudge. Merrick wanted to make up with you ages ago.” She brightened. “Did he ask you out again?”

“Maybe.”

“So, you’re having lunch again?” Her eyes sparkled.

My face felt hot as I admitted, “If youmustknow, he’s coming to my place tonight.”

“What the—?” She did a little happy jig. “Charlene is going to burst.”

Wincing, I said, “Why is this such a big deal to you guys?”

“Are you serious? We’ve been watching poor Merrick trying to get your attention foryears. That man has tenacity, I’ll give him that.”

“I think you’re going to be disappointed. Like I said, he’s still seeing Peter.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m positive if you show interest, he’ll break up with Peter.”

“No. He really likes Peter.”

Her expression became more serious. “Merrick started dating Peter because he gave up on you. He lost hope.”

“How could you possibly know that?”